This Blind Astrophysicist 'Sees' the Universe in the Most Amazing Way

Wanda Diaz-Merced studies the universe through sound. After losing her eyesight in early adulthood, she found a way to continue her work as an astrophysicist by converting scientific data into sound. Through a process known as "sonification," Diaz-Merced listens to the stars to detect patterns in seemingly random astrophysical data. As she says, “If we only see with our eyes, our perception is very narrow.”

In this short from Emic Films, blind astrophysicist Wanda Diaz-Merced explains her passion for listening to the music of the cosmos.

The Short Film Showcase spotlights exceptional short videos created by filmmakers from around the world and selected by National Geographic editors. We look for work that affirms National Geographic's belief in the power of science, exploration, and storytelling to change the world. The filmmakers created the content presented, and the opinions expressed are their own, not those of National Geographic Partners.

This Blind Astrophysicist 'Sees' the Universe in the Most Amazing Way

Wanda Diaz-Merced studies the universe through sound. After losing her eyesight in early adulthood, she found a way to continue her work as an astrophysicist by converting scientific data into sound. Through a process known as "sonification," Diaz-Merced listens to the stars to detect patterns in seemingly random astrophysical data. As she says, “If we only see with our eyes, our perception is very narrow.”

In this short from Emic Films, blind astrophysicist Wanda Diaz-Merced explains her passion for listening to the music of the cosmos.

The Short Film Showcase spotlights exceptional short videos created by filmmakers from around the world and selected by National Geographic editors. We look for work that affirms National Geographic's belief in the power of science, exploration, and storytelling to change the world. The filmmakers created the content presented, and the opinions expressed are their own, not those of National Geographic Partners.